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Bishop Burbidge's Homily at Mass for Christian Unity
Mass for Christian Unity
Sacred Heart Cathedral
January 19, 2008
Today, as the nation honors the life of Martin Luther King Jr, we gather to celebrate the Mass for Christian unity. In the Gospel, we hear the Lord’s prayer for unity: that all may be one as you Father are in me and I in you. Our founding fathers envisioned that unity as one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a world in which all barriers would be lifted so that we would be united as one family. Our president to be sworn into office tomorrow, newly elected officials and all of us, at this historic moment in the life of our country, pray that this great nation will experience renewal and reflect unity.
In order for this unity to be more than a hope, a dream or a wish, we must be rooted in the fundamental truths and realities that form the foundation of our unity. First, we turn to Sacred Scripture and today’s first Reading in which we hear these words: “I will be their God and they shall be my people.” All of us without exception are created in the image and likeness of God and He dwells within us. Unity will be realized only when we see others as temples of the Holy Spirit and, thus, revere all of human life and respect the dignity of each and every person, especially those to be born, and the most vulnerable and weak in our midst.
In order for this unity to be more than a hope, a dream or a wish, we embrace anew the words of our Constitution: “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” Thus, there is no room for separation and division; no tolerance for prejudice or racism, but only liberty and justice for all. To this cause, Martin Luther King Jr. devoted his life and so must we.
In doing so, Martin Luther King met great hostility and rejection. Yet, it was no different for him than it was for the disciples Jesus sent into the world. In the Gospel of John we heard today, “world” stands for “human society organizing itself without God.” The true mission of the disciples was to lead others to God and to inspire them to embrace His commands. As a man of faith, Martin Luther King made this his priority. It was reflected in his words and speeches and most especially in his courageous witness and selfless service.
Like the disciples, like Martin Luther King Jr, we are sent into the world to bring people back to God and His ways. It will not always be easy. Yet, we rejoice in knowing that the Lord has consecrated us in truth and the truth will prevail. May we never stop dreaming, hoping, working and praying for that day when we are truly one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all!